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How a Bed Bug Infestation Begins in the Home - Pest Control Hamilton
How a Bed Bug Infestation Begins in the Home

How a Bed Bug Infestation Begins in the Home

The thought of having creepy crawly bugs sharing your bed and feeding on your blood doesn’t exactly bring a fuzzy feeling. Unfortunately, many individuals learn that their home is infested with bed bugs when it becomes too late for prevention. The first thought is usually how it happened and how to quickly and efficiently get rid of them without these pests coming back. However, by the time you realize those clusters of itchy welts on your body, it’s time for some deep investigation and extermination.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Adult bed bugs have a flat body that tends to swell and turn reddish-brown after they acquire their feeding. These blood-sucking insects require one thing to survive – human blood. Though they can’t fly, like mosquitoes, to reach their food, they hide close to their food source and come out to feed when it’s least expected. Unfortunately for the host, it usually ends up being their bed. To survive, a bed bug must feed at least once every 14 days, however, sometimes they can survive without feeding for months at a time. These hitchhiking bugs will cling to clothing and luggage for travel and take up more areas of the home whenever possible.

How an Infestation Begins

So, you’ve spotted a bed bug in your home and you’re wondering how it’s possible that this happened when your home is kept tidy. Contrary to the misconception, bed bugs do not have a preference on whether your home is clean or cluttered and filthy. They are not attracted to trash and decay. Instead, they search for their main food source however they can find it and will live in any type of environment as long as they have blood to survive off of. These pests do not create nests in the home, rather they take up residence inside of your mattress, bed frames, and headboards. As long as they are close enough to get quick access to their food source, the bed bug will remain happy.

Normally, bed bug infestation begins by spreading the bugs from one location to another during travel. Only one female beg bug is needed to spread an infestation and that female can lay two to five eggs every single day throughout her life. It’s crucial that you take the correct measures to prevent the spread of bugs when travelling. The main cause of a bed bug infestation is the lack of awareness and knowledge about what to look for. Once you understand the habits of bed bugs and prevention tactics, you will have more success at attempting to keep them out of your home.

Prevention and Inspection

The best way to handle a bed bug infestation is to prevent it before they have the chance to take residence in your home. However, that’s not always the case, and sometimes these bloodsuckers find a way in. If you are planning to travel or planning a night or few at your friend’s or family’s, it’s a good idea to keep these prevention tips in the back of your mind.

Bed Bugs in a Box Spring

Here are some easy ways to prevent the spread of infestation:

  • Always inspect the room that you will be sleeping in
  • Keep your luggage outside of the room until you have finished inspecting
  • Remember to keep your bags high up off the floor and away from furniture while you are sleeping away from home
  • Always wash your clothes in hot water after you return home
  • Use caution when you are gifted second-hand items

Although you may not always be able to prevent the infestation of bed bugs, it won’t be the end of the world if you find these pests in your home. There are certain ways to handle the situation through cleaning to prevent the further spread of bed bugs. However, first, it’s important that you have your home treated for this infestation properly to ensure that there are no remaining bugs. A Pest Control Hamilton specialist is always the safest and most efficient way of ensuring your home is properly treated and free from bed bugs.